Five Things You Need to Know Today: Feb. 7

1. Oak Hill Park - "A Local Utopia." Built by a public-private partnership to provide inexpensive housing for veterans returning from World War II, Oak Hill Park is one of Newton's hidden gems. Join resident Paul Eldrenkamp for a discussion on the neighborhood, what has changed over the years and what makes the close-knit community special. The free event will be held at the Newton Free Library tonight at 7 p.m.

2. Go Tigers! The Newton North boys' varsity basketball team will face Framingham in a home game tonight at 5:15 p.m. The girls' varsity team will travel to Framingham for an away game at 6:30 p.m. 

3. Tour and artist talk. The New Art Center will host a tour and artist talk featuring its latest exhibit, "Upsodown." Those who are interested can meet at the Newton Senior Center at 1 p.m., walk over to the New Art Center for a tour, and then walk back to the Senior Center at 2 p.m. for a talk titled "Avant-Garde Newton" by local artist and New Art instructor John Murray. The event is free and open to the public. 

4. Sad news out of Auburndale. According to a post on its website, the Turtle Lane Playhouse has officially closed its doors. 

5. Author talk. Newtonville Books will host Grub Street Artistic Director Christopher Castellani, author of All This Talk of Love, and George Harrar, author of Reunion at Red Paint Bay tonight at 7 p.m.